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This event was posted as "moderately challenging." Since I enjoy challenging hikes I hesitated in signing up for this program because I feared the hiking might not live up to my expectations. Most of the trails were moderate with a challenging section at the end. Trails were gorgeous and I got great workouts. The bonus was that participants who wanted something a little less strenuous could opt to do only the moderate portion of the trail.
The accommodations were clean and comfortable and the food better than I expected knowing that we were staying at a YMCA lodge. There were always two main entrees, including seafood, and the desserts were fabulous.
If you choose to do this trip be sure to bring books, cards or games for the evenings. The location is a spectacular setting in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service and only satellite internet. Plan on creating your own evening entertainment. There are spacious community rooms with fireplaces, couches and tables for playing games.

Lovely setting, challenging hikes, great staff and accommodations. What more could you ask for in a program? Just remember that you will be on the east coast, where the trails are often rocky, and be prepared with your most comfortable boots!

Lovely area, fun week with my friends. We were so glad the leaves had started to turn! Unfortunately, there were some negative aspects to this program:
The hikes were a little monotonous and even though stunning views were promised, none really lived up to the hype. Several times we were told that you used to be able to see the view, but the trees grew up. At a fire tower hike, they didn't have a ranger unlock the cabin; therefore, little time could be spent looking at the view because of the high, cold winds.
All the leaders were nice, but didn't seem to know much about the flora or fauna of the region. That was disappointing. Even more disappointing was seeing the young women (Emily, Hannah, and Nicky - who were very sweet, but I suspect more comfortable teaching horsemanship to young girls) pull out their cell phones every time we stopped for lunch. They and the hiking leader Bud did not interact much with the attendees at meals at the lodging, as well. They tended to sit at their own table for meals.
There was decent food and plenty of it; unfortunately, I signed up as gluten-free and the variety was disappointing. In fact, except for making a sandwich of meat with cheese as the bread, there was nothing for me to pack for lunch. There was whole wheat bread and flour tortillas to make sandwiches and wraps. The few possibly gluten-free nutrition bars were gone after the first day. The only thing marked gluten-free was the Chex cereal. I am gluten-sensitive. I'm afraid for those with celiac disease who might have complications eating some of the food that might not be definitively gluten-free.
The best thing about this vacation was traveling with my friends. They have been to many RS programs. If I didn't know that they can better - more knowledgeable and engaged leaders, more variety in the hikes, better evening programs, etc - I would not consider attending another RS.

I really loved my time at Frost Valley YMCA.The location....far from the madding crowd was a wonderful break for my husband and me. To see dear every day on the lawn added to the serenity.
Thank you to Rocky and Sherie for lovely tasty vegetarian food!
Thank you Emily, Nicky and Hannah for making our stay great. Thank you Bud for the great hiking.......you know the trails inside out!!

Beautiful location, wonderful mid-September weather, excellent knowledegable (and plentiful) staff members made it a very refreshing week. I made it down steep mountainsides safely and more easily than I had expected!

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!